The American philosopher/psychologist William James (1842-1910) wrote, “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitude.” I first came across these words as a young college student, and I have never forgotten them. My life-long experience (or I should say my long-life experience!) has reinforced the wisdom of these words. Our attitude, that is, the way we look at things–other people, a particular situation, and life itself–can indeed alter our life.
When I was teaching high school, for example, my attitude toward my students was extremely important. If, at the beginning of the school year, I thought, “I know these kids are going to be basically lazy, selfish, and wild,” that attitude would permeate the way I taught. How much better it was if my attitude was, “I can’t wait to meet these kids. I hope I can help channel their natural energy, curiosity, and goodness into meaningful and fun learning experiences together.”
A positive attitude toward life involves seeing things in perspective, often a wider perspective. We Christians have an advantage here, because we view everything against the backdrop of God’s unfailing love for us. We perceive the dignity of every human being and the need for community. We know the profound power of compassion and the importance of forgiveness. We believe in the power of Jesus’ resurrection and the strength of the Holy Spirit. We see creation as God’s gift to us, a gift to share with all others–incuding future generations. These beliefs (and many others) color the way we perceive reality. They influence our choices and decisions. They help determine the way we live our lives.
Because attitude plays such a crucial role in our lives, I went to my trusty quote collection and pulled out the quotes I had filed under “attitude.” Here are 12 for your pondering today:
1) As I am, so I see. Ralph Waldo Emerson
2) The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands, but in seeing with new eyes. Marcel Proust
3) I discovered I always have choices and sometimes it’s only a choice of attitude. Judith Knowlton
4) Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses. Alphonse Karr
5) Miracles seem to me to rest not so much upon faces or voices or healing power coming suddenly from afar, but our perceptions being made finer, so that for a moment our eyes can see and our ears hear what is about us always. Willa Cather
6) An adventure is only an incovenvience rightly considered. An incovenience is only an adventure wrongly considered. G.K. Chesterton
7) The only disability in life is a bad attitude. Scott Hamilton, Olympic ice-skater
8) Attitude is the mind’s paint brush. It can color any situation. Barbara Johnson
9) We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken away from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms–to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances. Viktor Frankl
10) Religion is not a way of looking at certain things. It is a certain way of looking at everything. Robert Segal
11) A child on a farm sees a plane fly over and dreams of far away places. A traveler on the plane sees the farmhouse and dreams of home. Carl Burns
12) And finally, this little story from Father William Bausch’s fine book, A World of Stories for Preachers and Teachers:
“The Town Traveler”
A man was walking down the road when he spied a farmer. He approached him and said, “Sir, I have traveled a long way and am thinking of settling in the next town. Tell me, what kind of people are there?” The farmer asked, “What kind of people were in the town you left?” The man replied, “Oh, it wasn’t so good. The people there were selfish, indifferent, just out for themselves. Couldn’t care less about you or what happened.” The farmer said, “You’ll find the same kind of folks in the next town.” The man thanked him and went in another direction.”
Later that day, another traveler passed by and asked the farmer, “Sir, I have traveled a long way and am thinking of settling in the next town. Tell me, what kind of people are there?” The farmer asked, “What kind of people were in the town you left?” The man replied, “It was hard to leave. The people sang with you in the good times and helped you in bad times. It wasn’t perfect, but the people were basically good and friendly.” The farmer said, “You’ll find the same kind of folks in the next town.”
For reflection:
Were there any quotes here that stood out for you? I’m curious to know. If you want to say why it stood out, that’s fine too.
Have you ever altered a situation by altering your attitude? Would you like to tell us about that experience?
Are there any specific Christian beliefs that help you to have a more positive attitude toward people or situations?
Do you have anything to add to this topic? I welcome your additions below.
PS #1: Last Saturday I gave at talk on Mary at Sacred Heart Church in Rock Creek, OH (now merged with St. Mary’s in Orwell to form St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish). Sponsored by the wonderful Knights of Columbus, the evening included Mass and a delicious dinner afterwards. What a joy it was to be gathered in a room with so many good and generous people of faith! I want to thank the folks who were there for making me feel so welcome! Special thanks to Laddie for convncing me to come and speak on Mary and for helping me with the details!
PS #2: I will be facilitating a retreat next weekend at the beautiful Villa Maria Retreat Center in Villa Maria, PA. The theme is “Walking with Mary through the Light and Darkness of our Lives.” There will be 34 participants. I’m eager to meet them! I ask you to say a little prayer for us. Thank you!
St. Paul tells the Ephesians, “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” (New Revised Standard Bible) Another translation says: “The attitude you should have is the one Christ Jesus had.” (Good News Bible) Here’s a song by Kim Gentry Meyer called “I Need the Mind of Christ.” I liked the phrases: “I need the mind of Christ to cover me… to set me free.. to restore my peace of mind.” Let us pray that we all may more and more take on the attitude of Jesus toward all the people and circumstances in our personal lives as well as the people and circumstances in our larger national and global community.
I invite you to share a comment below. Your comments mean very much to me and our readers!
41 Responses
Good morning, Melannie…
Good morning, all…
“I can’t wait to meet these kids. I hope I can help channel their natural energy, curiosity, and goodness into meaningful and fun learning experiences together.”
You must have been an amazing English teacher!
In a sense, when a student enters a teacher’s room, he or she is a stranger. And what does the mind of Christ say about that? “When I was a stranger, you welcomed me.” Every student has been “fearfully and wonderfully made”!
John, And YOU were an amazing English teacher if you could see every student as “fearfully and wonderfully made!” Thank you for your words of wisdom–as usual!… I’m so sorry your Red Sox were eliminated by those Yankees… As I write this, my poor Guardians have lost their first game to those White Sox, the Pope’s favorite hometown team… (sigh!) Melannie
Lovely song. Thank you…..
Years ago I read Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl.
I was then and continue to try to practice his idea of forming your own attitude towards situations,etc, in life. He lived in a German concentration camp and with every loss tried to be positive in his attitude. I can’t imagine how he did it except for his deep reliance on God.
Beverly, I too read Frankl’s book many years ago, but I never forgot it. I really agree with your words, “I can’t imagine how he did it (kept a positive attitude in a concentration camp) except for his deep reliance on God.” Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. Melannie
I’ve come to learn that an attitude of gratitude is the best motto for life
Mary James, I couldn’t agree with you more! I always say, “One who is grateful is close to God.” Melannie
The prodigal son is where I learned compassion with an attitude adjustment. I learned unconditional love. Thank you Jesus!
Joy, Yes, the parable of the prodigal son (some say) encapsulates Jesus’ most important teaching: unconditional love and forgiveness. Thanks for reminding us of this vital parable here today! Melannie
Beautiful thoughts today, Sister Melannie. I will hold them in my heart till next post.
Connie, Thank you for your comment! Melannie
The lack of a good, Christian or humanistic positive attitude spoils many relationships. Thank God for persisting with many of us who need to grow more repectful and loving. Maturing means more than growing older, it entails growing in understanding and compassion.
George, I agree with you that our attitude can have an impact on our relationships… And I liked your definition of “maturing”: it “means more than growing older; it entails growing in understanding and compassion.” Amen to that! Thanks for your addition to my blog! Melannie
Excellent advice and words to live by with all the quotes, but number 10 made me pause and consider my attitude about living my religion through example!
I love quotes and your weekly blog Sr. Melannie. Gives me strength and wisdom !
Prayers for your retreat! Wish you could do another zoom retreat!
Blessings on your week and retreat.
Melanie, I personally like #10 too. Our faith colors everything we see–from people to maple trees in the fall, from our neighbor to the latest news headline. I’m so happy you can find “wisdom and strength” in my simple reflections each week… and thank you for your prayers for this weekend’s retreat. I will let the participants know! Melannie
I like this quote: Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses. Alphonse Karr
A good reminder on a hard day.
Kathleen, Yes, such a simple quote. Especially on “hard days” we need such reminders! I hope you were strengthened on your hard day today… Melannie
Thank you for the reminder for keeping a positive attitude, with so many excellent examples of seeing the GOOD in others.
May you and each of the participants have a wonderful retreat at Villa Maria! I have fond memories of attending two years ago with corn fields being harvested nearby.
Giddy up & God Bless!
Barry, Thank you for your good wishes for our retreat this weekend. I remember with fondness that previous retreat that you were a part of! Villa Maria is a beautiful place all year–but especially in the fall–as you point out! Melannie
Good morning. So much to ponder in your blog today. Thank you for helping me spend a few fruitful moments each week. First, you encourage me to be more organized about storing things that inspire me in a way that I can call on them when I need them. You could just pull up those quotes on attitude! Second, all the quotes are a great reminder of the lens we need to have daily.
The song is beautiful I am going to look up the artist and enjoy more of her songs, thank you.
I pray your talk goes well and is received into open hearts.
Have a blessed week.
Maureen, Thank you for everything that you said. I’m so glad you’ve thought about “storing things that inspire me in a way I can call on them when I need them.” Yes, it’s important to have some things handy–whether quotes, pictures, an article, a song, a scripture verse–that inspire us. We need all the inspiration we can get… And I appreciate the prayers for the upcoming retreat. Melannie
Many years ago I was having a difficult time at a new job. On Ascension Thursday I went to Mass. From the Gospel reading the priest based his homily on Jesus’ words: ‘I go to prepare a place for you.’ He suggested what if we think of our present situations as the place Jesus has gone to prepare for us? He gave me a new perspective. That to me is what Hope is: Having Our Perspective Enlightened!
Maryanne, What a lovely thought: that our current place is a place that God has prepared for us.” That is a new perspective. Thank you for sharing it with us! Melannie
A week ago I could drive and be independent. Then my bone crumbled due to cancer. I need help with the most basic of things like moving in bed or bathroom.
Pain alters your state of mind. I
am trying to see the gifts of presence and prayer.
When I can be more positive and grateful, those helping, me are more willing to help. If pain causes me to be “short” they simply perform their duty.
What I am saying is MY attitude affects them, and, ultimately me.
Cheryl, I’m so sorry about your current situation. These are strong and true words: “Pain alters your state of mind.” And I appreciated your inisght into how YOUR attitude affects those who care for you–and that ultimately affects you. Thank you! And you are in my thoughts and prayers. Melannie
WE have moved several times in our marriage and each time we return to the place from which we have just moved, people say “do you like (new town) better than living here?” Never tried to answer that — we always just said it was a new place with new people but the same way to live. I don’t know for sure what the questioner wanted to hear but it seemed like a strange thing to ask. People are, indeed, the same. There are people with whom you’ll be friends and people you will avoid…humanity is just that.
PS- I am unable to see anyone else’s comments for the past two weeks.
Patt, We bring ourselves to everywhere we live. We humans share so much in common–despite our background and our country… I will let the tech people know of your problem. Thank you! Melannie
Good morning Sr. Melannie
Thank you for all the positive thoughts. I was immediately moved by the thorns and roses. It reminded me of one of my sons who is a thorn in my side. But there are moments when he shines as a rose. I will try to remember that when the next thorn comes my way.
God’s blessings to you and all you do.
Tina
Tina, Thank you for your comment. Blessings to you too! Melannie
Thank you Melannie for another meaningful and thought provoking blog. Those quotes on attitude snd the beautiful music video touched my heart deeply. I particularly love #8 and #9. I came upon the message from Victor Frankl some time ago and is a reminder to practice the mind of Jesus.
I struggled for years with anger over the difficulty of accepting the attitude of some coworkers. I prayed and prayed for answers until I read somewhere that anger towards another only hurts me, and there lies the answer to my prayers. So I learned to “let it go and let God”.
Loretta, You picked two good quotes. Yes, clinging to anger towards another hurts ourselves the most. It’s hard “to let go and let God,” but it’s the way that can eventually bring some peace. Thank you for sharing your experience. Melannie
In addition, I’m praying for you and your retreatants that you, Melannie, lead well and that you all have a blessed weekend.
Several times this year, I have shared some of your stories and reflections with my adult students who are immigrants from around the world learning English. They not only learn to read, but they are learning a lot more than that. They often share their thoughts on what you have shared and I am moved by what they draw from your writings. Thank you so much.
Sr. Pauline, How wonderful that you are using this blog with your adult immigrants learning English. What a beautiful ministry you are involved in. Thank you for sharing this with us! Melannie
Sister,
Thank you for recalling these words of wisdom which serve to lift the Spirit.
Other reflections that I try to hold front and center:
“Most most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be”. Abraham Lincoln.
“All will be well, all will be, in all matter of things all will be well”. Julian of Norwich.
“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change”.
In terms of seeing things from a wider perspective, listen to the wise words of Carl Sagan’s Pale Blue Dot.
https://youtu.be/wupToqz1e2g?is=yetAbNMCo29HW6lG
Mike, Thank you for your fine additions to this reflection. I enjoyed Carl Sagan’s “Pale Blue Dot.” As a great astronomer, he could appreciate the vastness of the universe better than most of us. At the same time, as Christians we actually believe that the “author” of this vast cosmos, became incarnate on our “pale blue dot.” He breathed our air, drank our water, walked the dusty roads of Galilee, and revealed the love of God for all of us. Sagan maintained that he was an athiest, but as he was dying of cancer, people from all over the world sent word to him, thanking him for his wonderful research and writings. Many of these same people, of various world religions, told him they were praying for him. Supposedly, this knowledge touched him very deeply… Thanks again, Mike! Melannie
See you at the Villa
Linda, I look forward to seeing you there! Melannie
A major lesson I share with people is the grass is not greener on the other side. Running away is never the answer. Staying is often what God asked. This has been my defense to staying in Illinois and challenging those who choose to leave.
2) The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands, but in seeing with new eyes. Marcel Proust
6) An adventure is only an incovenvience rightly considered. An incovenience is only an adventure wrongly considered. G.K. Chesterton
Brandon, I appreciated your “Staying is often what God asks.” Isn’t that the thinking behind the Benedictine venerable tradition of “stability”? Staying is not an “absolute rule”, of course. At times God does urge “moving on”: Jesus’, “Shake the dust from your sandals.” But running away is not the same as moving on… And thanks also for letting us know which quotes spoke to you in a special way. Melannie
I am finally getting to enjoy the blog on Monday October 12. Enjoy it so much but still frustrated that I can only reach it a week late. Please ask the IT people to look into this.
I am RC but my spouse does not practice any religion. He lost a prescription today and I gave him the St Anthony prayer. He laughed at me.
I prayed it for him and the item just turned up unexpectedly. He looked shocked but grateful. Please pray for him. PS I like your blog especially when you have pics.